Most people associate raccoons with hillbillies or life in the country. Few people realize that, like the coyote, raccoons are becoming a more and more common suburban and even urban dwellers. This is because raccoons are amazingly adaptable to their surroundings and, like people, eat just about anything.

With the rise of expanded suburban living, leash laws, and urban sprawl, raccoons and some of their other forest friends, like opossums and skunks, are rapidly becoming part of the urban and suburban landscape.

Although they are cute and it can be fun to watch their antics on nature shows on the Discovery Channel, raccoons are classified as a pest species because of their habit of taking up residence in human dwellings. It is not that they are not cute, rather raccoons, like squirrels, tend to damage and soil the houses they invade and make into their homes. They also are a nuisance in terms of getting into garbage which can then attract other pests, like rats. Raccoons can, on occasion, also carry rabies.

Regardless of their cuteness or the warm, fuzzy feelings you might have toward these very charismatic, furry creatures, they are still wild animals with sharp teeth that they are not afraid to use if need be. Always be careful if you spot one, and don’t be lured into getting too close by those TV programs that show how funny and nice they are.

If you find raccoons frequenting your yard or in your house, call a professional to remove it before something bad has a chance to happen to your home, pet, or family.